Shrouded Sky

The crystal coffin was dreamlike and radiant. Inside, the Imperial Demon Heart was wrapped in crimson haze and blinding light, outshining even the blazing sun. The entire peach grove was enveloped in divine energy, shrouded in the auspicious glow of blood-colored brilliance.

Qin Yao opened the coffin, and at once, a tidal wave of vibrant life force surged forth, making everyone feel as if bathed in a spring breeze. Such powerful vitality, if kept nearby, would undoubtedly aid greatly in cultivation.

It was hard to imagine just how terrifying the Demon Emperor must have been in his prime. Even after countless millennia since his death, the Heart he left behind still possessed such power, his strength was unfathomable.

"The Emperor’s cultivation was deep and boundless, yet even he could not become immortal. It really makes one wonder, do immortals truly exist in this world?" an old crone murmured in awe.

Yan Ruyu silently bowed to the crystal coffin. Then she stepped forward and took a jade tray from one of the demon women. Placing the heart, radiant like a ruby and bursting with divine brilliance, onto the tray, she walked toward the divine iron stake.

"Yan Ruyu..." Ye Fan used divine sense to send a message, wanting to say something. But at that moment, a dozen old crones stepped forward, each casting spells, pointing their fingers at his forehead.

Ye Fan was horrified. These old women were far too powerful, they immediately noticed his divine sense stirring and sealed the golden pond at the center of his brow. He struggled, golden light erupting, but was unable to break free.

Even so, the dozen crones changed expressions. One of them said, "This youth is extraordinary indeed. His spirit power is unimaginable. At his age, such strength is unheard of."

The jade tray in Yan Ruyu’s hands emitted crimson light with golden specks, enveloping her entire body. Her skin was like jade, sacred and flawless. She gazed at Ye Fan for a long time, then gently reached out and stroked his cheek. The gesture was soft and warm, like a breeze brushing across his face. Her stunning face held a complex expression, unclear emotions flashed in her eyes, but soon calmed, returning to the serene purity of a fairy from the Jade Pool, otherworldly and clear.

"Your Highness, please step back. We must proceed," one of the crones said, taking the tray from her.

Yan Ruyu nodded lightly and drifted back, graceful as the wind.

Ye Fan did not want to accept this fate. To nurture something like the Imperial Demon Heart inside his body, no one could predict what might happen.

Suddenly, intense pain struck him. The old crones were forcefully opening his Bitter Sea.

"Don’t worry. We won’t take your heart. We’re just placing the Emperor’s Imperial Demon Heart into your Life Spring. Using your Primeval Desolate Sacred Physique’s unique divine spring to nourish it..."

If Ye Fan could speak, he would have screamed. His golden Bitter Sea held too many secrets, he couldn’t let anyone see inside.

"No wonder it’s the Primeval Desolate Sacred Physique, tough as divine iron. Even with our combined strength, we can’t break it open. Unbelievable."

"This was the strongest human body type, invincible in ancient times. Unfortunately, it’s now considered a failed physique. Still, this kid has cultivated all the way to the Life Spring realm. Who knows how he managed that? Either way, as long as his divine spring flows, it will be enough to preserve the Imperial Demon Heart indefinitely..."

"Still can’t break it..." All the old crones were stunned and helpless. One of them turned and said,